Picking your Picnic

When I think about a picnic, an image of a red checkered blanket, wicker basket, and a couple 1950’s hairdos pop into my head. I am a firm believer that of all the picnics that happen a year, probably about six or seven achieve this quintessential look. Are we just too busy these days to pack up the car and head to someplace with no other reason than to leisurely snack under a shady tree? Or perhaps our vision of what it means to eat in the woods has been skewed, like numerous other things, by an excess of romantic comedies depicting it. There is more of a chance of Yogi the Bear stealing your food in our neck of the woods than finding a couple in the throws of a traditional Sunday picnic. Just because your idyllic lunch in the forest isn’t the same as the movie doesn’t mean it can’t be awesome. A host of different stops in Jackson can help you stock up for your perfect basket, backpack, drybag, or cooler full of goodies to prevent you from going hungry in the woods.

Pig Candy works great for any occasion

Day Tripper: Looking for an easy day hike or maybe a little canoe trip in the park? Perhaps a ride up the tram for lunch and a view? We have some great suggestions that you won’t want to leave the home without. For food, check out Jackson Whole Grocer’s Adventurer’s Boxed Lunch. Quick, easy, and self contained, it is a one stop shop to make sure you spend less time at the store and more time on the trail. If you’re thinking of a longer expedition that requires a few snacks, stock up some pig candy from Cafe Genevieve or a pastry from Persephone Bakery for dessert. Located right next to each other, they won’t hold you up before your adventures. If you for see yourself getting thirsty for an adult beverage, swing by Snake River Brewing to grab a Crowler. This 32 ounce can is a great way to take your favorite beers with you when your on the go.

Sloshie from Bodega to cool you down?

A Day at the Beach: While Jackson lacks your traditional ocean beaches, our lakes and rivers are hard to beat on a hot summer day. The first place to start for a perfect pairing with toes in the sand, is a Creekside Market sloshie. Made with fresh squeezed juice, these boozy treats are a right of passage for any beach day. While you are there, you should probably grab a sandwich too. Don’t bother with the menu items (unless you are getting a Rueben) and fill out a sheet to build you own. They definitely don’t skimp on toppings and are a great bang for your buck. If you are headed out toward the village, Bodega is your best bet. With a variety of slushies of their own, along with a cooler of pre-made options and locally sourced treats, it is a great option to or from the jumping rock up on Phelps Lake

Backpackers Delight: Maybe you are more of an Amphitheater Lake kinda person. Healthy food that fits in a backpack is your top requirement for scaling a peak or tromping through the woods. On your way out of town, Healthy Being has to be your first stop. Check out their wide selection of cold-pressed juices and healthy breakfast or snack options to keep you well fueled and feeling good. If a lunch stop is on the itinerary, grab a sandwich to go from Pearl St. Market (you can get any of their options on a spinach or whole wheat wrap). For some additional local snack-age grab some jerky from Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company or for a sweet treat, pick up a pastry from Lotus Cafe

You will definitely find something in this case at Local Butcher that you will like

Fancy Feast: Sometimes you just need to go big. These journeys usually include a cooler, real cutlery, and a wine opener. Just because it feels fancy doesn’t mean it has to be, with so many scenic stops on your way through Grand Teton Park, you are sure to find a place to set up for a special occasion. The first place I would stop for rations would be Local Butcher. Grab a selection of hand sliced charcuterie and pick from a selection of delicious cheeses. Stock up on a Persephone baguette and some artisan condiments and you are good to go. Perhaps a salad is more your thing? Picnic has some great options that can easily be transported up to your lunch spot as well as other grab and go items. As I mentioned before, you can’t forget a wine opener and what better bottle to use it on than a Jackson Hole Winery wine. Top it off with some chocolates from Cocolove and you got your self a special occasion on the go.

About Author

Food and cooking has been a great travel buddy for Chris, finally taking root in Jackson. Originally from Seattle, Chris enjoys rainy walks to get coffee, cold dark beers, and cozying up in a warm restaurant kitchen. He has a background in marketing but has spent most of his days working in fine dining behind the line. Now you can find him selling hummus, perusing the farmers markets, or mountain biking behind his Aussie Shephard, Zephyr.